der Senat
senate
In states with a bicameral system, the first or upper chamber of parliament, as for example in the USA or France.
EXAMPLE
Der Gesetzentwurf muss noch vom Senat verabschiedet werden.
The bill still has to be passed by the Senate.
der Senat
senate
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Meanings
der Senat
senate
The term for the state government in the German city-states of Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen.
EXAMPLE
Der Senat von Hamburg hat neue Regelungen für den Hafen beschlossen.
The Hamburg Senate has adopted new regulations for the port.
der Senat
senate
A central, usually elected body of academic self-governance at a university or institution of higher education.
EXAMPLE
Der akademische Senat hat über die Einrichtung des neuen Studiengangs abgestimmt.
The academic senate voted on the establishment of the new degree program.
der Senat
judicial panel
In the German legal system, a judicial panel, meaning a division, at higher and supreme courts.
EXAMPLE
Der 5. Strafsenat des Bundesgerichtshofs verhandelte den Revisionsfall.
The 5th Criminal Panel of the Federal Court of Justice heard the appeal case.
Usage tips
Context is crucial
The exact meaning of 'Senat' (senate) depends heavily on the context. Pay attention to whether the discussion is about international politics (e.g. the USA), German city-states (Berlin, Hamburg), universities, or courts in order to understand which body is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der US-Senat muss dem neuen Gesetz noch zustimmen.
The U.S. Senate still has to approve the new law.
German city-states
In the German federal states of Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen, 'der Senat' (the senate) is the official term for the state government. This use is specific to these three city-states.
EXAMPLE
Der Senat von Berlin hat ein neues Verkehrskonzept vorgestellt.
The Berlin Senate presented a new transport plan.
At university
In the context of universities, the 'akademische Senat' (academic senate) is a central body of self-governance. It decides, for example, on examination regulations or the establishment of new subjects.
EXAMPLE
Die Professoren wurden in den akademischen Senat gewählt.
The professors were elected to the academic senate.
In court
At German higher courts, a 'Senat' (judicial panel) is a division consisting of several judges and responsible for specific areas of law. This judicial panel then delivers the judgments.
EXAMPLE
Der zuständige Senat am Bundesverwaltungsgericht hat die Klage abgewiesen.
The responsible panel at the Federal Administrative Court dismissed the lawsuit.
Compare with
Senat vs Kammer
chamber / room
Senat and Kammer can both refer to a judicial panel. Senat is the term for such a division at higher and supreme courts, while Kammer can be the corresponding term at other courts. The decisive factor is therefore the level of the court, not the judges’ activity.
Senat
Der zuständige Senat des Bundesgerichtshofs verkündet heute sein Urteil.
The responsible judicial panel of the Federal Court of Justice will announce its ruling today.
Kammer
Die zuständige Kammer des Landgerichts verkündet heute ihr Urteil.
The responsible chamber of the regional court will announce its ruling today.
In real life
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